Switching to a Gas Geyser: A Cost-Effective Choice for South Africans

In South Africa, where electricity prices continue to rise, finding ways to reduce monthly expenses has become increasingly crucial. One practical solution gaining popularity is switching from an electrical geyser to a gas geyser. Not only does this shift offer immediate savings on your electricity bill, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient home heating system.

Cost Saving Analysis

Electric Geyser Costs:

1. Electricity Monthly Usage: To heat 150litres of hot water per day for one month, the electric units used are 270kWh.
2. Electricity Tariff: According to its latest publicly available data on electricity prices, South Africa’s average per-kWh electricity tariff for households stood at roughly R3.30 by December 2023 (Source MyBroadband & https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/)
3. Monthly Expense: 270kWh × R3.30 = R891.00/month

Gas Geyser Costs:

1. Gas Consumption: To heat 150litres of hot water per day for one month, the gas used is around 18kg
2. Gas Price: The cost of LPG is around R36 per kilogram in South Africa (prices fluctuate with market conditions).
3. Monthly Expense: 18kg × R36.00 = R648.00/month

Monthly saving by switching from an electrical geyser to a gas geyser is R243.00, which is almost 30%!

Additional Benefits

Aside from direct cost savings, switching to a gas geyser offers other advantages:

• Reliability: Most gas geysers can still function during power outages, ensuring continuous hot water supply.
• Environmental Impact: Gas is generally considered cleaner burning than coal-generated electricity, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
• Long-Term Investment: While initial installation costs may be higher than for electric geysers, the ongoing savings and durability of gas geysers often make them a cost-effective long-term investment.

Conclusion

Making the switch from an electrical geyser to a gas geyser in South Africa is a smart financial decision for homeowners looking to cut down on monthly electricity expenses. Not only does it provide immediate savings, but it also aligns with efforts towards energy efficiency and sustainability. By calculating your potential savings and considering the broader benefits, you can make an informed choice that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

In a landscape of rising electricity prices (South Africa might be looking at an over 40% increase in electricity process in 2025!), embracing energy alternatives like gas geysers offers a practical solution to manage household costs effectively.